Labour to announce menopause workplace policy at annual party conference
Labour is set to announce plans to introduce a menopause workplace policy at its annual party conference in Brighton today.
It is part of a wider plan to transform the workplace for women and will target breaking the stigma of menopause, which typically affects women between 45 and 55 years old.
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During a speech, the shadow women and equalities secretary, Dawn Butler, will unveil the plans to aid women during menopause, should Labour win a general election.
The policy will require businesses with over 250 employees to provide training for line managers, flexible working policies for those affected and ensure absence procedures are flexible due to the nature of the long-term fluctuating health condition.
During her speech, Butler is expected to say: “This bold policy will support women experiencing the symptoms of menopause in the workplace.
“Together we must end the stigma and ensure that no woman is put at a disadvantage, from menstruation to menopause.
“This forms part of our plans for a workplace revolution under the next Labour government to secure equality at work.
“By delivering policies like this through a stand-alone women and equalities department, Labour will put equality right at the heart of government.”
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Other initiatives Labour intend to implement include forcing large companies to conduct gender pay audits and publish action plans to tackle the gap.
They also want to introduce flexible working and to reinstate section 40 of the equality act to protect employees from third-party harassment.